Presidential Counter Programming: GOP Debate or NFL Opening Night

The President ask to speak before joint session of Congress next Wednesday night -- the same night, at the same time, as MSNBC & Politico's GOP Primary debate scheduled at the Reagan Library.

Speaker Boehner -- who could decline the request -- has suggested the following night, which is the NFL's opening night:

House Speaker John A. Boehner says Congress would be happy to hear President Obama's ideas for job creation, just not on the day he asked for.

In a response to Obama's request to speak to a joint session next Wednesday, the Ohio Republican "respectfully" suggested that the president do so on Thursday, citing logistical concerns.

"With the significant amount of time — typically more than three hours — that is required to allow for a security sweep of the House chamber before receiving a president, it is my recommendation that your address be held on the following evening, when we can ensure there will be no parliamentary or logistical impediments that might detract from your remarks," Boehner said in a letter to the White House.

Boehner's response comes as some Republicans objected to the White House's decision to have Obama deliver the speech on the same night as a long-planned GOP presidential candidates debate. The White House called the timing coincidental.

The president, though, needs permission from congressional leaders in order to deliver the address. While House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi welcomed the president, Boehner said in a letter late Wednesday afternoon that he would like the president to pick a different time. He did not mention the debate. Since the House does not come into session until Sept. 7, with votes scheduled that evening, Boehner expressed concern about the time it would take to conduct the security sweep in time for a presidential speech.

"It is my recommendation that your address be held on the following evening, when we can ensure there will be no parliamentary or logistical impediments that might detract from your remarks," Boehner wrote.